US20040067667A1 - Shuttered connector - Google Patents
Shuttered connector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040067667A1 US20040067667A1 US10/627,263 US62726303A US2004067667A1 US 20040067667 A1 US20040067667 A1 US 20040067667A1 US 62726303 A US62726303 A US 62726303A US 2004067667 A1 US2004067667 A1 US 2004067667A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- shutter
- connector
- shuttered
- mating connector
- mating
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/44—Means for preventing access to live contacts
- H01R13/447—Shutter or cover plate
- H01R13/453—Shutter or cover plate opened by engagement of counterpart
- H01R13/4532—Rotating shutter
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a shuttered connector, the shuttered connector having at least one shutter or at least one door at a fitting part which fits with a mating connector.
- Contact portions or contacts for electrical connection in interface connectors are used for commonly used apparatuses including electric circuits, and are exposed to the surrounding environment. Thus, materials, such as dust and dirt, may adhere to the contact portions and such materials have electrical influence on the contact portions. Also, a coin and the like may enter the contact portions and such objects are likely to physically damage the contact portions.
- Caps called dust caps are mainly used in conventional technologies in order to prevent dust, dirt, and the like from entering the contact portions and to prevent the resulting damage to the contact portions.
- At least one shutter is provided at a connector fitting part of a casing.
- the connector system includes a pair of connectors composed of a main unit side connector provided in an electronic apparatus main unit and a connecting side connector.
- the connector system is used for connection to transmit signals between electronic apparatuses.
- An exterior case of the electronic apparatus main unit has an opening for receiving the connecting side connector. Dustproof shutters are provided at the opening and the shutters are opened and closed perpendicular to the insertion direction of the connecting side connector.
- the connecting side connector has guide members for fitting with the main unit side connector.
- the guide members and the shutters have tapered parts. The tapered parts slide and contact each other and thus produce thrust to make the shutters move in the corresponding opening directions when the connecting side connector is inserted into the opening of the electronic apparatus main unit.
- the electric connector includes a mold base and a shielding case that covers the mold base.
- the front end of the mold base has an insertion opening, and the front end of a socket type mating connector is fitted into the insertion opening.
- contacting members are arranged so as to face into the insertion opening.
- Shutters for opening and closing the insertion opening are made of conductive materials and are connected to the front end of the shielding case with hinges.
- Helical torsion springs are provided at the front end of the shielding case so as to continuously urge the shutters in the corresponding closing directions. Accordingly, the shutters and the shielding case are electrically connected to each other.
- a shuttered connector which includes a fitting part that receives a mating connector, an insulator, at least one shutter, and elastic members (for example, helical springs).
- the shutter is rotatably supported by and fixed on the insulator.
- the shutter moves between a closed position at which the shutter covers the fitting part and an opened position at which the mating connector is capable of being fitted with the shuttered connector.
- the elastic members continuously urge the shutter in the closing direction.
- the shutter includes guide units and the mating connector includes insertion parts. The insertion parts and the guide units cooperate to rotate the shutter in order to open the shutter so that the mating connector is capable of being fitted with the shuttered connector.
- the shutter include one shutter plate.
- the shutter plate may open in the direction orthogonal to the fitting direction of the mating connector.
- two shutters include corresponding shutter plates.
- the shutter plates may open upward and downward, and may close by butting the ends of the shutter plates together.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an electronic apparatus connector system according to conventional technology 1;
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an electric connector according to conventional technology 2;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a state in which the electric connector shown in FIG. 2 is fitted with a mating connector;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an entire shuttered connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention when a shutter is closed;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the shuttered connector shown in FIG. 4 when the shutter is opened;
- FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and a mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows a state before fitting of the shuttered connector and the mating connector;
- FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows a state in which the mating connector is fitted with the shuttered connector;
- FIG. 7A is a sectional view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows the state before fitting of the shuttered connector and the mating connector;
- FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows the state in which the mating connector is fitted with the shuttered connector;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an entire shuttered connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention when shutters are closed;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the shuttered connector shown in FIG. 8 when the shutters are opened;
- FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and a mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows a state before fitting of the shuttered connector and the mating connector;
- FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows a state in which the mating connector is fitted with the shuttered connector;
- FIG. 11A is a sectional view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows the state before fitting of the shuttered connector and the mating connector;
- FIG. 11B is a sectional view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows the state in which the mating connector is fitted with the shuttered connector;
- FIG. 12 is an illustration showing a shuttered connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- a connector system 15 includes a pair of connectors composed of a main unit side connector 19 provided in an electronic apparatus main unit 17 and a connecting side connector 21 .
- the connector system 15 is used for connection to transmit signals between electronic apparatuses.
- An exterior case 23 of the electronic apparatus main unit 17 has an opening 25 for receiving the connecting side connector 21 .
- Dustproof shutters 27 and 29 are provided at the opening 25 and the shutters 27 and 29 are opened and closed perpendicular to the insertion direction of the connecting side connector 21 .
- the connecting side connector 21 has guide members 31 for fitting with the main unit side connector 19 .
- the guide members 31 and the shutters 27 have tapered parts 33 and 35 , respectively. The tapered parts 33 and 35 slide and contact each other and thus produce thrust to make the shutters move in the corresponding opening directions when the connecting side connector 21 is inserted into the opening 25 of the electronic apparatus main unit 17 .
- an electric connector 37 has an insertion opening 41 , and the front end of a socket type mating connector 39 (hereinafter, referred to as a mating connector 39 ) is fitted into the insertion opening 41 .
- the electric connector 37 also includes a mold base 45 and a shielding case 47 that covers the mold base 45 .
- the mold base 45 has contacting members 43 which are arranged so as to face into the insertion opening 41 .
- Shutters 51 and 53 for opening and closing the insertion opening 41 are made of conductive materials and are connected to the front end of the shielding case 47 with hinges 63 .
- helical torsion springs 55 are provided at the front end of the shielding case 47 so as to continuously urge the shutters 51 and 53 in the corresponding closing directions. Accordingly, the shutters 51 and 53 and the shielding case 47 are electrically connected to each other.
- the mating connector 39 is fitted into the insertion opening 41 and the leading end of the mating connector 39 pushes the shutters 51 and 53 .
- the shutters 51 and 53 are inwardly opened in the upward and downward direction, respectively, against the elastic force of the helical torsion springs 55 .
- Pushing the mating connector 39 deeply into the insertion opening 41 causes contacting members 59 provided within the mating connector 39 to contact the contacting members 43 of the electric connector 37 and thus to be electrically connected to the contacting members 43 . Also, pushing the mating connector 39 deeply into the insertion opening 41 causes the shutters 51 and 53 to elastically press-contact a shielding case 61 that covers the mating connector 39 .
- the shutters 51 and 53 prevent foreign matter or dust from entering the insertion opening 41 , thus considerably preventing malfunction. Also, since the shutters 51 and 53 serve as contact terminals that elastically press-contact the mating connector 39 , the shielding case 61 does not need to have any contact terminal.
- a connector 65 with a shutter (hereinafter, referred to as a shuttered connector 65 ) includes a box-type insulator 69 , a shutter 75 , and springs 77 .
- the upper and lower surfaces of the insulator 69 are covered with upper and lower metal shells 67 .
- a shaft 73 is fitted with bosses provided at sides of the insulator 69 .
- the shutter 75 is provided at the front of the shuttered connector 65 and opens upward by rotating around the shaft 73 .
- the springs 77 function as elastic members and urge the shutter 75 in the closing direction.
- a plurality of contacts (not shown) is provided inside the insulator 69 .
- the contacts are similar to contacts that will be described in a description of a third embodiment of the present invention. At the time of fitting, the contacts are brought into contact with corresponding contacts of a mating connector.
- the front center of the lower shell 67 curls downward and has a part leading to a fitting part 71 to be fitted with the mating connector. Also, both sides of the front end of the lower shell 67 curl upward and have springs protruding backward. When fitting, the mating connector is press-contacted between the upper and lower shells 67 by the springs.
- the front surface of the shutter 75 has a shutter plate 79 and tilt guide units 85 .
- the guide units 85 are provided at both sides of the shutter plate 79 and protrude a little obliquely backward with respect to the shatter plate 79 . With this structure, the shutter 75 does not open if an object accidentally hits the shutter 75 .
- a mating connector 87 is a rectangular board. Both sides of the front end of the mating connector 87 have forward protruding insertion parts 89 . The front portions of the upper surfaces of the insertion parts 89 are tilted and the lower front ends of the insertion parts 89 are rounded. An opening is provided between the insertion parts 89 and contacts are provided behind the opening, as will be described in the description of the third embodiment of the present invention.
- the guide units 85 are disposed at both sides of the shutter plate 79 of the shutter 75 of the shuttered connector 65 and are brought into contact with the upper slant surfaces at the front ends of the insertion parts 89 . Further insertion of the mating connector 87 causes the slant surfaces of the insertion parts 89 to push the guide units 85 upward.
- the shutter 75 is rotated around the shaft 73 against the resisting force of the springs 77 and is pushed upward.
- the mating connector 87 is pulled out of the fitting part 71 .
- the return force of the springs 77 causes the shutter 75 to rotate downward around the shaft 73 to be closed.
- a connector 91 with shutters (hereinafter, referred to as a shuttered connector 91 ) according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a box-type insulator 93 , a first shutter 97 , a second shutter 99 , and springs 101 .
- the upper and lower surfaces of the insulator 93 are covered with the upper and lower metal shells 67 .
- the first shutter 97 and the second shutter 99 are provided at the front of the shuttered connector 91 and open by rotating upward and downward, respectively, around a shaft 95 .
- the springs 101 urge the first shutter 97 and the second shutter 99 to rotate in the corresponding closing directions.
- the insulator 93 has contacts that will be described in the description of the third embodiment of the present invention.
- the front center of the lower shell 67 curls downward and has a part leading to the fitting part 71 to be fitted with the mating connector 87 .
- the front surface of each of the first shutter 97 and the second shutter 99 has a shutter plate 103 , plate-type guide units 105 , and arms 107 .
- the guide units 105 are provided at both sides of the shutter plates 103 and protrude a little obliquely backward with respect to the shutter plates 103 .
- the arms 107 are provided at both sides the first shutter and the second shutter 99 .
- the shaft 95 penetrates the front ends of the arms 107 so that the arms 107 can rotate around the shaft 95 .
- the mating connector 87 is a rectangular board and is covered with metal-plate shells.
- the forward protruding insertion parts 89 are provided at both sides of the front end of the mating connector 87 .
- An opening as in the third embodiment is provided between the insertion parts 89 .
- Contacts are provided behind the opening and make contact with contacts (not shown) of the shuttered connector 91 .
- the insertion parts 89 are wedge-shaped. The upper and lower surfaces and the outer surfaces of the insertion parts 89 are tilted and the front end thereof is rounded.
- the mating connector 87 is inserted into the fitting part 71 , the guide units 105 are disposed at both sides of the shutter plates 103 of the first shutter 97 and the second shutter 99 of the shuttered connector 91 and are brought into contact with the upper and lower slant surfaces at the front ends of the insertion parts 89 . Further insertion of the mating connector 87 causes the slant surfaces of the insertion parts 89 to push the guide units 105 upward and downward. Thus, the first shutter 97 and the second shutter 99 rotate upward and downward, respectively, to be opened around the shaft 95 against the resisting force of the springs 101 functioning as elastic members.
- the insertion parts 89 are sandwiched between the upper and lower shells 67 to be fixed.
- the return force of the springs 101 causes the front ends of the shutter plates 103 of the first shutter 97 and the second shutter 99 to be maintained to hit against the upper surface and the lower surface of the mating connector 87 , respectively. Accordingly, the mating connector 87 is connected to the shuttered connector 91 .
- the mating connector 87 is pulled out of the fitting part 71 .
- the return force of the springs 101 causes the first shutter 97 and the second shutter 99 to rotate toward the closing positions to be closed.
- a connector 111 with shutters (hereinafter, referred to as a shuttered connector 111 ) according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes the box-type insulator 93 , the first shutter 97 , and the second shutter 99 .
- the upper and lower surfaces of the insulator 93 are covered with a metal upper shell 81 and a metal lower shell 83 , respectively.
- the first shutter 97 and the second shutter 99 open upward and downward, respectively, by rotating around the shaft (refer to FIGS. 8 to 11 B), as in the first or second embodiment.
- the springs 101 urge the first shutter 97 and the second shutter 99 in the corresponding closing directions, as in the second embodiment.
- the insulator 93 has a protruding piece 113 protruding toward the front of the shells.
- a contact 115 includes a contacting part 117 provided along the lower surface of the protruding piece 113 , a supported part 119 penetrating the insulator 93 and supported by the insulator 93 , and a terminal 123 connected to a substrate 121 .
- the front center of the lower shell 83 curls downward and has a part leading to the fitting part 71 to be fitted with a mating connector 129 .
- Reference numerals 125 and 127 represent positioning pins for positioning on the substrate 121 .
- the mating connector 129 includes an insulator 131 and a contact 137 .
- the contact 137 has a contacting part 135 .
- the contacting part 135 protrudes in an opening 133 at the front end of the insulator 131 .
- the contact 137 further includes a supported part 139 supported by the insulator 131 and a terminal 141 connected to an electrically conductive pattern and the like of a substrate.
- the circumference of the insulator 131 is covered with metal shells 143 .
- Reference numerals 145 , 147 , and 149 represent pins for positioning on the substrate.
- FIG. 12 An operation is carried out in which the shuttered connector 111 is fitted with the mating connector 129 shown in FIG. 12 in a similar manner being described in the second embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the opening 133 of the mating connector 129 is fitted with the protruding piece 113 of the insulator 93 , the contacting part 117 of the contact 115 is placed on the lower surface of the protruding piece 113 and is subjected to pushing the contacting part 135 of the contact 137 downward. The elastic force of the pushed contact 137 causes the contacting part 135 to make contact with the contact 137 so that they are connected to each other.
- the mating connector 129 is pulled out of the fitting part 71 .
- the return force of the springs causes the first shutter 97 and the second shutter 99 to rotate toward the original positions to be closed.
- installing at least one shutter on a connector achieves a high-precision positional relationship between the shutter and the connector main unit, thus reducing the size.
- At least one shutter is automatically opened and closed in the process of fitting. This eliminates inconvenience for a user to put on and remove a cap, and prevents the user from forgetting to close the shutter. Also, a shutter mechanism is installed, not on a casing, but on a connector main unit. Thus, precision of the positional relationship between the shutter and a mating connector is increased. Consequently, the size of the connectors can be reduced.
- a shuttered connector that simplifies apparatus assembling after delivery is provided by installing a shutter mechanism on a connector main unit, in other words, by modularizing parts.
Landscapes
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present application claims priority to prior Japanese application JP 2002-230335, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to a shuttered connector, the shuttered connector having at least one shutter or at least one door at a fitting part which fits with a mating connector.
- Contact portions or contacts for electrical connection in interface connectors are used for commonly used apparatuses including electric circuits, and are exposed to the surrounding environment. Thus, materials, such as dust and dirt, may adhere to the contact portions and such materials have electrical influence on the contact portions. Also, a coin and the like may enter the contact portions and such objects are likely to physically damage the contact portions.
- Caps called dust caps are mainly used in conventional technologies in order to prevent dust, dirt, and the like from entering the contact portions and to prevent the resulting damage to the contact portions.
- Since, however, the dust caps must be used when connectors are disconnected and the dust caps must be removed for connection, the use of the dust caps causes trouble and inconvenience.
- Therefore, it is also suggested that at least one shutter is provided at a connector fitting part of a casing.
- Descriptions will be made as regards a connector system disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-8010(hereinafter, referred to as conventional technology 1).
- The connector system includes a pair of connectors composed of a main unit side connector provided in an electronic apparatus main unit and a connecting side connector. The connector system is used for connection to transmit signals between electronic apparatuses. An exterior case of the electronic apparatus main unit has an opening for receiving the connecting side connector. Dustproof shutters are provided at the opening and the shutters are opened and closed perpendicular to the insertion direction of the connecting side connector. The connecting side connector has guide members for fitting with the main unit side connector. The guide members and the shutters have tapered parts. The tapered parts slide and contact each other and thus produce thrust to make the shutters move in the corresponding opening directions when the connecting side connector is inserted into the opening of the electronic apparatus main unit.
- Next, descriptions will be made as regards an electric connector disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Registration Application Publication No. 6-54260(hereinafter, referred to as conventional technology 2). The electric connector includes a mold base and a shielding case that covers the mold base. The front end of the mold base has an insertion opening, and the front end of a socket type mating connector is fitted into the insertion opening. Also, contacting members are arranged so as to face into the insertion opening. Shutters for opening and closing the insertion opening are made of conductive materials and are connected to the front end of the shielding case with hinges. Helical torsion springs are provided at the front end of the shielding case so as to continuously urge the shutters in the corresponding closing directions. Accordingly, the shutters and the shielding case are electrically connected to each other.
- In conventional technologies 1 and 2, however, precise adjustment of the positional relationship between the shutters and the mating connector is impossible at the stage of apparatus assembling. Thus, a long fitting stroke is needed to allow for adjustment. In this event, the size of the connectors is increased.
- Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a shuttered connector that saves a user from inconvenience of putting on and removing a cap and that prevents the user from forgetting to close a shutter by automatically opening and closing the shutter when fitting.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a shuttered connector that reduces the size of connectors by increasing the accuracy of the positional relationship between a mating connector and a shutter.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide a shuttered connector that simplifies apparatus assembling after delivery by modularizing parts.
- According to the present invention, there is provided a shuttered connector which includes a fitting part that receives a mating connector, an insulator, at least one shutter, and elastic members (for example, helical springs). The shutter is rotatably supported by and fixed on the insulator. The shutter moves between a closed position at which the shutter covers the fitting part and an opened position at which the mating connector is capable of being fitted with the shuttered connector. The elastic members continuously urge the shutter in the closing direction. The shutter includes guide units and the mating connector includes insertion parts. The insertion parts and the guide units cooperate to rotate the shutter in order to open the shutter so that the mating connector is capable of being fitted with the shuttered connector.
- In the present invention, it is preferable that the shutter include one shutter plate. The shutter plate may open in the direction orthogonal to the fitting direction of the mating connector.
- Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that two shutters include corresponding shutter plates. The shutter plates may open upward and downward, and may close by butting the ends of the shutter plates together.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an electronic apparatus connector system according to conventional technology 1;
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an electric connector according to conventional technology 2;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a state in which the electric connector shown in FIG. 2 is fitted with a mating connector;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an entire shuttered connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention when a shutter is closed;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the shuttered connector shown in FIG. 4 when the shutter is opened;
- FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and a mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows a state before fitting of the shuttered connector and the mating connector;
- FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows a state in which the mating connector is fitted with the shuttered connector;
- FIG. 7A is a sectional view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows the state before fitting of the shuttered connector and the mating connector;
- FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows the state in which the mating connector is fitted with the shuttered connector;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an entire shuttered connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention when shutters are closed;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the shuttered connector shown in FIG. 8 when the shutters are opened;
- FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and a mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows a state before fitting of the shuttered connector and the mating connector;
- FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows a state in which the mating connector is fitted with the shuttered connector;
- FIG. 11A is a sectional view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows the state before fitting of the shuttered connector and the mating connector;
- FIG. 11B is a sectional view of the shuttered connector shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the mating connector for explaining the fitting operation and shows the state in which the mating connector is fitted with the shuttered connector; and
- FIG. 12 is an illustration showing a shuttered connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- In order to facilitate an understanding of the present invention, electric connectors according to conventional technologies will be described before explaining the embodiments of the present invention with reference to FIGS.1 to 3.
- Referring to FIG. 1, a
connector system 15 according to conventional technology 1 includes a pair of connectors composed of a mainunit side connector 19 provided in an electronic apparatusmain unit 17 and a connectingside connector 21. Theconnector system 15 is used for connection to transmit signals between electronic apparatuses. Anexterior case 23 of the electronic apparatusmain unit 17 has anopening 25 for receiving the connectingside connector 21.Dustproof shutters opening 25 and theshutters side connector 21. The connectingside connector 21 hasguide members 31 for fitting with the mainunit side connector 19. Theguide members 31 and theshutters 27 have taperedparts parts side connector 21 is inserted into theopening 25 of the electronic apparatusmain unit 17. - Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the front end of an
electric connector 37 according to conventional technology 2 has aninsertion opening 41, and the front end of a socket type mating connector 39 (hereinafter, referred to as a mating connector 39) is fitted into theinsertion opening 41. Theelectric connector 37 also includes amold base 45 and a shieldingcase 47 that covers themold base 45. Themold base 45 has contactingmembers 43 which are arranged so as to face into theinsertion opening 41.Shutters insertion opening 41 are made of conductive materials and are connected to the front end of the shieldingcase 47 with hinges 63. Also, helical torsion springs 55 are provided at the front end of the shieldingcase 47 so as to continuously urge theshutters shutters case 47 are electrically connected to each other. - In the
electric connector 37 according to conventional technology 2 with the structure described above, as shown in FIG. 3, themating connector 39 is fitted into theinsertion opening 41 and the leading end of themating connector 39 pushes theshutters shutters - Pushing the
mating connector 39 deeply into theinsertion opening 41causes contacting members 59 provided within themating connector 39 to contact the contactingmembers 43 of theelectric connector 37 and thus to be electrically connected to the contactingmembers 43. Also, pushing themating connector 39 deeply into theinsertion opening 41 causes theshutters case 61 that covers themating connector 39. - Therefore, static electricity and the like on the
mating connector 39 move from theshutters case 61 through thehinges 63 and thus are discharged to the outside. - As described above, according to conventional technology 2, the
shutters insertion opening 41, thus considerably preventing malfunction. Also, since theshutters mating connector 39, the shieldingcase 61 does not need to have any contact terminal. - The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
- Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a
connector 65 with a shutter (hereinafter, referred to as a shuttered connector 65) includes a box-type insulator 69, ashutter 75, and springs 77. The upper and lower surfaces of theinsulator 69 are covered with upper andlower metal shells 67. Ashaft 73 is fitted with bosses provided at sides of theinsulator 69. Theshutter 75 is provided at the front of the shutteredconnector 65 and opens upward by rotating around theshaft 73. Thesprings 77 function as elastic members and urge theshutter 75 in the closing direction. Also, a plurality of contacts (not shown) is provided inside theinsulator 69. The contacts are similar to contacts that will be described in a description of a third embodiment of the present invention. At the time of fitting, the contacts are brought into contact with corresponding contacts of a mating connector. - The front center of the
lower shell 67 curls downward and has a part leading to afitting part 71 to be fitted with the mating connector. Also, both sides of the front end of thelower shell 67 curl upward and have springs protruding backward. When fitting, the mating connector is press-contacted between the upper andlower shells 67 by the springs. - Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B,7A, and 7B, the front surface of the
shutter 75 has ashutter plate 79 andtilt guide units 85. Theguide units 85 are provided at both sides of theshutter plate 79 and protrude a little obliquely backward with respect to the shatterplate 79. With this structure, theshutter 75 does not open if an object accidentally hits theshutter 75. - A
mating connector 87 is a rectangular board. Both sides of the front end of themating connector 87 have forward protrudinginsertion parts 89. The front portions of the upper surfaces of theinsertion parts 89 are tilted and the lower front ends of theinsertion parts 89 are rounded. An opening is provided between theinsertion parts 89 and contacts are provided behind the opening, as will be described in the description of the third embodiment of the present invention. - As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B,7A, and 7B, when the
mating connector 87 and theinsertion parts 89 are inserted into thefitting part 71 and theguide units 85, respectively, theguide units 85 are disposed at both sides of theshutter plate 79 of theshutter 75 of the shutteredconnector 65 and are brought into contact with the upper slant surfaces at the front ends of theinsertion parts 89. Further insertion of themating connector 87 causes the slant surfaces of theinsertion parts 89 to push theguide units 85 upward. Thus, theshutter 75 is rotated around theshaft 73 against the resisting force of thesprings 77 and is pushed upward. - When the slant surfaces of the
insertion parts 89 push theguide units 85 until they become out of contact, the return force of thesprings 77 rotates theshutter 75 around theshaft 73 in the closing direction. The front end of theshutter plate 79 hits against the upper surface of themating connector 87 to stop the rotation. Accordingly, themating connector 87 is connected to the shutteredconnector 65. - For removing the
mating connector 87, themating connector 87 is pulled out of thefitting part 71. In this case, the return force of thesprings 77 causes theshutter 75 to rotate downward around theshaft 73 to be closed. - Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a
connector 91 with shutters (hereinafter, referred to as a shuttered connector 91) according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a box-type insulator 93, afirst shutter 97, asecond shutter 99, and springs 101. The upper and lower surfaces of theinsulator 93 are covered with the upper andlower metal shells 67. Thefirst shutter 97 and thesecond shutter 99 are provided at the front of the shutteredconnector 91 and open by rotating upward and downward, respectively, around ashaft 95. Thesprings 101 urge thefirst shutter 97 and thesecond shutter 99 to rotate in the corresponding closing directions. Theinsulator 93 has contacts that will be described in the description of the third embodiment of the present invention. - The front center of the
lower shell 67 curls downward and has a part leading to thefitting part 71 to be fitted with themating connector 87. - The front surface of each of the
first shutter 97 and thesecond shutter 99 has ashutter plate 103, plate-type guide units 105, andarms 107. Theguide units 105 are provided at both sides of theshutter plates 103 and protrude a little obliquely backward with respect to theshutter plates 103. Thearms 107 are provided at both sides the first shutter and thesecond shutter 99. Theshaft 95 penetrates the front ends of thearms 107 so that thearms 107 can rotate around theshaft 95. - The
mating connector 87 is a rectangular board and is covered with metal-plate shells. The forward protrudinginsertion parts 89 are provided at both sides of the front end of themating connector 87. An opening as in the third embodiment is provided between theinsertion parts 89. Contacts are provided behind the opening and make contact with contacts (not shown) of the shutteredconnector 91. Theinsertion parts 89 are wedge-shaped. The upper and lower surfaces and the outer surfaces of theinsertion parts 89 are tilted and the front end thereof is rounded. - Referring now to FIGS. 10A, 10B,11A, and 11B, the
mating connector 87 is inserted into thefitting part 71, theguide units 105 are disposed at both sides of theshutter plates 103 of thefirst shutter 97 and thesecond shutter 99 of the shutteredconnector 91 and are brought into contact with the upper and lower slant surfaces at the front ends of theinsertion parts 89. Further insertion of themating connector 87 causes the slant surfaces of theinsertion parts 89 to push theguide units 105 upward and downward. Thus, thefirst shutter 97 and thesecond shutter 99 rotate upward and downward, respectively, to be opened around theshaft 95 against the resisting force of thesprings 101 functioning as elastic members. Theinsertion parts 89 are sandwiched between the upper andlower shells 67 to be fixed. When the slant surfaces push theguide units 105 upward until they become out of contact, the return force of thesprings 101 causes the front ends of theshutter plates 103 of thefirst shutter 97 and thesecond shutter 99 to be maintained to hit against the upper surface and the lower surface of themating connector 87, respectively. Accordingly, themating connector 87 is connected to the shutteredconnector 91. - For removing the
mating connector 87, themating connector 87 is pulled out of thefitting part 71. In this case, the return force of thesprings 101 causes thefirst shutter 97 and thesecond shutter 99 to rotate toward the closing positions to be closed. - Referring now to FIG. 12, a connector111 with shutters (hereinafter, referred to as a shuttered connector 111) according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes the box-
type insulator 93, thefirst shutter 97, and thesecond shutter 99. The upper and lower surfaces of theinsulator 93 are covered with a metalupper shell 81 and a metallower shell 83, respectively. Thefirst shutter 97 and thesecond shutter 99 open upward and downward, respectively, by rotating around the shaft (refer to FIGS. 8 to 11B), as in the first or second embodiment. Thesprings 101 urge thefirst shutter 97 and thesecond shutter 99 in the corresponding closing directions, as in the second embodiment. - Also, the
insulator 93 has a protrudingpiece 113 protruding toward the front of the shells. Acontact 115 includes a contactingpart 117 provided along the lower surface of the protrudingpiece 113, a supportedpart 119 penetrating theinsulator 93 and supported by theinsulator 93, and a terminal 123 connected to asubstrate 121. The front center of thelower shell 83 curls downward and has a part leading to thefitting part 71 to be fitted with amating connector 129.Reference numerals substrate 121. - The
mating connector 129 includes aninsulator 131 and acontact 137. Thecontact 137 has a contactingpart 135. The contactingpart 135 protrudes in anopening 133 at the front end of theinsulator 131. Thecontact 137 further includes a supportedpart 139 supported by theinsulator 131 and a terminal 141 connected to an electrically conductive pattern and the like of a substrate. - The circumference of the
insulator 131 is covered withmetal shells 143. -
Reference numerals - An operation is carried out in which the shuttered connector111 is fitted with the
mating connector 129 shown in FIG. 12 in a similar manner being described in the second embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, theopening 133 of themating connector 129 is fitted with the protrudingpiece 113 of theinsulator 93, the contactingpart 117 of thecontact 115 is placed on the lower surface of the protrudingpiece 113 and is subjected to pushing the contactingpart 135 of thecontact 137 downward. The elastic force of the pushedcontact 137 causes the contactingpart 135 to make contact with thecontact 137 so that they are connected to each other. - In contrast, for removing the
mating connector 129, themating connector 129 is pulled out of thefitting part 71. In this case, the return force of the springs (not shown) causes thefirst shutter 97 and thesecond shutter 99 to rotate toward the original positions to be closed. - As described above, according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention, automatically opening and closing at least one shutter in the process of connection eliminates inconvenience for a user to put on and remove a cap.
- Also, according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention, installing at least one shutter on a connector achieves a high-precision positional relationship between the shutter and the connector main unit, thus reducing the size.
- As described above, according to the present invention, at least one shutter is automatically opened and closed in the process of fitting. This eliminates inconvenience for a user to put on and remove a cap, and prevents the user from forgetting to close the shutter. Also, a shutter mechanism is installed, not on a casing, but on a connector main unit. Thus, precision of the positional relationship between the shutter and a mating connector is increased. Consequently, the size of the connectors can be reduced.
- Also, according to the present invention, a shuttered connector that simplifies apparatus assembling after delivery is provided by installing a shutter mechanism on a connector main unit, in other words, by modularizing parts.
Claims (11)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP230335/2002 | 2002-08-07 | ||
JP2002230335A JP2004071400A (en) | 2002-08-07 | 2002-08-07 | Connector with shutter |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040067667A1 true US20040067667A1 (en) | 2004-04-08 |
US6887086B2 US6887086B2 (en) | 2005-05-03 |
Family
ID=28035977
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/627,263 Expired - Fee Related US6887086B2 (en) | 2002-08-07 | 2003-07-25 | Shuttered connector |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6887086B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2004071400A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1299396C (en) |
DE (1) | DE10336082A1 (en) |
FI (1) | FI117916B (en) |
TW (1) | TWI223912B (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6955546B1 (en) | 2004-06-11 | 2005-10-18 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Electrical connector with shutter |
US20050282418A1 (en) * | 2004-06-18 | 2005-12-22 | Fan Chia H | Electrical connector |
US20060141833A1 (en) * | 2004-12-28 | 2006-06-29 | Hirose Electrical Co., Ltd. | Electrical connector having shutter |
US7189089B1 (en) * | 2006-01-20 | 2007-03-13 | Sheng-Hsin Liao | Side-rotation transforming plug |
US20070167076A1 (en) * | 2003-09-09 | 2007-07-19 | Seung-Jong Seh | Electrical connector having protective shutter |
US20080101004A1 (en) * | 2006-10-30 | 2008-05-01 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Memory card connector with improved foldable baffler |
US7431595B1 (en) * | 2007-06-11 | 2008-10-07 | Chant Sincere Co., Ltd. | Universal memory card connector |
US20080287015A1 (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2008-11-20 | Nautilus Hyosung Inc. | Connector cover structure of bill storage box |
US20150078710A1 (en) * | 2013-09-17 | 2015-03-19 | Sanwa Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Dust proofing shutter built-in adapter of lc type optical connector |
US20170063008A1 (en) * | 2015-08-26 | 2017-03-02 | Eaton Corporation | Power receptacles with internal chambers for releasably holding portable power devices |
US20190305474A1 (en) * | 2018-03-30 | 2019-10-03 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Connector unit |
Families Citing this family (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102004030440B4 (en) * | 2004-06-24 | 2006-06-08 | Wieland Electric Gmbh | Electrical connection connector with locking plate |
JP4056997B2 (en) * | 2004-08-03 | 2008-03-05 | Smk株式会社 | Multi-terminal connector |
JP2006066310A (en) * | 2004-08-30 | 2006-03-09 | Hirose Electric Co Ltd | Electric connector device for card |
TW200711234A (en) * | 2005-09-12 | 2007-03-16 | Hon Hai Prec Ind Co Ltd | Electrical card connector |
DE102007044661B3 (en) * | 2007-09-18 | 2008-11-13 | Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh | Connecting adapter for connection of voltage supply lines in electrical device i.e. light, has protective plate mounted in interior of connecting adapter housing, and guide element in connection with connecting terminal |
JP5305207B2 (en) | 2008-04-08 | 2013-10-02 | ヴアーゴ・フエルヴアルトウングスゲゼルシヤフト・ミツト・ベシユレンクテル・ハフツング | A set comprising a connection adapter, a connection terminal, and a connection adapter and a connection element for the connection adapter |
DE102008017915B4 (en) | 2008-04-08 | 2010-03-04 | Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh | Set consisting of connection adapter and connection terminal as well as connection adapter and connecting element for this purpose |
DE102008023979B4 (en) | 2008-05-16 | 2010-05-12 | Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh | connection adapter |
DE102008056119B4 (en) | 2008-11-06 | 2010-11-25 | Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh | connection adapter |
CN102082360B (en) * | 2009-11-26 | 2013-06-05 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Electronic device |
US20120028484A1 (en) * | 2010-08-02 | 2012-02-02 | Ever Win International Corporation | Automatic Sliding Door |
KR101246698B1 (en) | 2011-09-28 | 2013-03-25 | 한국몰렉스 주식회사 | Connector for flexible circuit cable |
DE102011088762B3 (en) * | 2011-12-15 | 2013-02-28 | Continental Automotive Gmbh | Electronic device with a plug receptacle |
JP6254588B2 (en) * | 2012-07-20 | 2017-12-27 | アシスト・メディカル・システムズ,インコーポレイテッド | Connector cover that protects connections from contaminants |
TWI442634B (en) * | 2012-08-22 | 2014-06-21 | Wistron Corp | Connector mechanism and related electronic device |
CN104090630B (en) * | 2013-04-01 | 2019-01-11 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Electronic equipment and its device for ejecting |
TWI544854B (en) * | 2013-07-02 | 2016-08-01 | 緯創資通股份有限公司 | Cover mechanism |
EP3136921A4 (en) | 2014-05-01 | 2018-01-24 | Elkay Manufacturing Company | System and method for dispensing consumable liquids |
EP3195416B1 (en) * | 2014-08-15 | 2020-11-18 | Techtronic Industries Company Limited | Apparatus for selectively connecting to different sources of electric powers |
KR101655541B1 (en) * | 2014-10-14 | 2016-09-07 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Connector device |
JP2020082834A (en) * | 2018-11-19 | 2020-06-04 | アイシン精機株式会社 | Energization device and sun roof device including the same |
JP2022159904A (en) * | 2021-04-05 | 2022-10-18 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | connector |
JP2022159862A (en) * | 2021-04-05 | 2022-10-18 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | connector |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3219964A (en) * | 1961-11-29 | 1965-11-23 | Midland Ross Corp | Automatic closure apparatus for couplable railway car facilities |
US20010000764A1 (en) * | 1999-10-13 | 2001-05-03 | Chow Vivian Wei | Methods and apparatus for preventing damage to memory cards, memory card connectors and other electronic devices |
US20010031570A1 (en) * | 2000-04-17 | 2001-10-18 | International Business Machines Corporation | Flap actuation mechanism for an electronic unit |
US6454580B1 (en) * | 2001-08-22 | 2002-09-24 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Guide rail for receiving a GBIC module |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2669750B2 (en) | 1992-07-30 | 1997-10-29 | 松下電子工業株式会社 | Driving method of solid-state imaging device |
JPH0654260U (en) * | 1992-12-29 | 1994-07-22 | ミツミ電機株式会社 | Electrical connector |
JP3263629B2 (en) | 1997-06-19 | 2002-03-04 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Electronic equipment connector |
JPH11260459A (en) | 1998-03-13 | 1999-09-24 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Electric equipment |
JP2003229201A (en) | 2002-02-05 | 2003-08-15 | Tyco Electronics Amp Kk | Shutter for connector |
-
2002
- 2002-08-07 JP JP2002230335A patent/JP2004071400A/en active Pending
-
2003
- 2003-07-22 CN CNB031475434A patent/CN1299396C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-07-25 US US10/627,263 patent/US6887086B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-08-06 DE DE10336082A patent/DE10336082A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2003-08-06 FI FI20031133A patent/FI117916B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-08-06 TW TW092121447A patent/TWI223912B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3219964A (en) * | 1961-11-29 | 1965-11-23 | Midland Ross Corp | Automatic closure apparatus for couplable railway car facilities |
US20010000764A1 (en) * | 1999-10-13 | 2001-05-03 | Chow Vivian Wei | Methods and apparatus for preventing damage to memory cards, memory card connectors and other electronic devices |
US20010031570A1 (en) * | 2000-04-17 | 2001-10-18 | International Business Machines Corporation | Flap actuation mechanism for an electronic unit |
US6454580B1 (en) * | 2001-08-22 | 2002-09-24 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Guide rail for receiving a GBIC module |
Cited By (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070167076A1 (en) * | 2003-09-09 | 2007-07-19 | Seung-Jong Seh | Electrical connector having protective shutter |
US6955546B1 (en) | 2004-06-11 | 2005-10-18 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Electrical connector with shutter |
US20050282418A1 (en) * | 2004-06-18 | 2005-12-22 | Fan Chia H | Electrical connector |
US7086881B2 (en) * | 2004-06-18 | 2006-08-08 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Electrical connector |
US20060141833A1 (en) * | 2004-12-28 | 2006-06-29 | Hirose Electrical Co., Ltd. | Electrical connector having shutter |
EP1677391A1 (en) * | 2004-12-28 | 2006-07-05 | Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. | Electrical connector having shutter |
US7140892B2 (en) | 2004-12-28 | 2006-11-28 | Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. | Electrical connector having shutter |
US7189089B1 (en) * | 2006-01-20 | 2007-03-13 | Sheng-Hsin Liao | Side-rotation transforming plug |
US20080101004A1 (en) * | 2006-10-30 | 2008-05-01 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Memory card connector with improved foldable baffler |
US7445473B2 (en) * | 2006-10-30 | 2008-11-04 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Memory card connector with improved foldable baffler |
US20080287015A1 (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2008-11-20 | Nautilus Hyosung Inc. | Connector cover structure of bill storage box |
US7641484B2 (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2010-01-05 | Nautilus Hyosung Inc. | Connector cover structure of bill storage box |
US7431595B1 (en) * | 2007-06-11 | 2008-10-07 | Chant Sincere Co., Ltd. | Universal memory card connector |
US20150078710A1 (en) * | 2013-09-17 | 2015-03-19 | Sanwa Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Dust proofing shutter built-in adapter of lc type optical connector |
US9453963B2 (en) * | 2013-09-17 | 2016-09-27 | Sanwa Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Dust proofing shutter built-in adapter of LC type optical connector |
US20170063008A1 (en) * | 2015-08-26 | 2017-03-02 | Eaton Corporation | Power receptacles with internal chambers for releasably holding portable power devices |
US10074948B2 (en) * | 2015-08-26 | 2018-09-11 | Eaton Intelligent Power Limited | Power receptacles with internal chambers for releasably holding portable power devices |
US20190305474A1 (en) * | 2018-03-30 | 2019-10-03 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Connector unit |
US10797433B2 (en) * | 2018-03-30 | 2020-10-06 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Terminal protection parts |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE10336082A1 (en) | 2004-02-26 |
CN1481050A (en) | 2004-03-10 |
JP2004071400A (en) | 2004-03-04 |
US6887086B2 (en) | 2005-05-03 |
TW200405619A (en) | 2004-04-01 |
TWI223912B (en) | 2004-11-11 |
CN1299396C (en) | 2007-02-07 |
FI20031133A0 (en) | 2003-08-06 |
FI20031133A (en) | 2004-02-08 |
FI117916B (en) | 2007-04-13 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6887086B2 (en) | Shuttered connector | |
US6896530B2 (en) | Connector provided with shutter | |
JP2003133012A (en) | Electric connector | |
US7837488B2 (en) | Electrical card connector with improved detecting switch | |
EP1665471B1 (en) | Shuttered electrical connector socket | |
EP0653818A1 (en) | Card edge connector and method for connecting same | |
US20070243733A1 (en) | Rotatable memory card with improved locking mechanism | |
US5477418A (en) | I/O connector for add in printed circuit cards for computer systems | |
US6955546B1 (en) | Electrical connector with shutter | |
EP0710059B1 (en) | Folding data communication device | |
US20050282437A1 (en) | Electrical connector assembly | |
GB2262395A (en) | Mounting terminals in an electrical connector. | |
US20040092145A1 (en) | Electrical connector with shutter | |
US7097475B2 (en) | Electrical card connector with door | |
US20040248443A1 (en) | Electrical card connector having shutter mechanism | |
US6942503B2 (en) | Electrical connector with grounded shutter member | |
US7040907B2 (en) | Electric plug | |
JP2001118619A (en) | Connector | |
US7025609B2 (en) | Electrical connector with shutter member | |
JP3446990B2 (en) | Connector lock detection structure | |
US7033199B2 (en) | Electrical connector apparatus with metal shell | |
CN212209830U (en) | Socket module and socket | |
KR100659930B1 (en) | Electrical connector with shutter member | |
JP3499348B2 (en) | Modular connector | |
US10128610B1 (en) | Electronic device having a tilt restraining member |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, LIMTIED, JAPA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KUROKI, YOSHIHIDE;REEL/FRAME:014358/0831 Effective date: 20030710 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20170503 |